the 26 International Congress of ICID & 77 International Executive Council (IEC) meeting to be held from 12 to 17 October 2026 in Marseille (host), France. The Congress focus on the upcoming issues that need to be addressed in irrigation, drainage and flood management. The Congress also provides a platform for reviewing a number of contentious issues concerning the future of irrigation water in relation to increasing demands for competitive uses of water.
ICID has been organising its flagship International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage since 1951.The first ICID Congress was held in 1951 in Delhi and so far, ICID has organised 25 Congresses across the globe (find more details here).
The 26 ICID International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage and 77 International Executive Council (IEC) Meeting will be organized by Eau, Agriculture et Territoires (E.A.T.) in Marseille, France. During the Congress, the papers will be presented and discussed answering the Congress three Questions 66, 67 & 68.
Question 66 : In the face of climate change, how can irrigation and drainage contribute to the agro-ecological transition?
question 67 : Innovative technology and practices for increasing water use efficiency: Irrigation
management and services, remote sensing, irrigation equipment,…where do we stand ?
Question 68 : Non-conventional water (REUSE, desalination): can we really loosen the grip on the resource and for what uses?
In addition, Special Sessions, International Symposium, Training Workshops, Side Events etc. will be as part of this mega event. This major event takes place in a global context marked by increasing tensions surrounding water management, food security, and the impacts of climate change.
The theme of this edition : “Water and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change”
Under the theme “Water and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change,” the congress will bring together stakeholders from across the globe – researchers, engineers, institutions, public decision-makers, NGOs, and civil society representatives – to share knowledge, innovations, and experiences on the core challenges of irrigation and drainage. These topics have never been more relevant. Irrigated agriculture, which covers only 20% of cultivated land, produces nearly 40% of the world's food while accounting for 70% of global water consumption. In a world facing population growth, resource scarcity, soil degradation, and extreme climate events, managing water effectively has become a key condition for agricultural resilience. This congress is resolutely action-oriented. It will offer a moment to assess and discuss available levers: technological innovations (such as smart irrigation systems, remote sensing, high-efficiency equipment), agroecological practices, public policies, non-conventional water (REUSE, desalination), and new forms of international cooperation — all essential tools to support the transition towards efficient and sustainable agricultural systems. The choice of Marseille as host city is a meaningful one. As a Mediterranean city at the crossroads of cultures and climate issues, it embodies both the tensions and opportunities of water management in constrained environments. With its dynamic research ecosystem and strong commitment to sustainability, Marseille also provides fertile ground for dialogue and innovation.
Read more : congrès ICID